Patrick J. Baglino, Jr.
Get ready to take notes boys and girls. Or at the very least, bookmark this page! You are about to get a lesson in good design with Washington D.C. based interior designer, Patrick J. Baglino, Jr. Patrick is not only sharing a few photos from his portfolio (which you must see), but he has also been kind enough to answer a couple of my questions.
Working out of the trendy and vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood, Patrick has established himself as one of the premier interior designers in Washington D.C. His interiors - he refers to them as ”Urban Sophisticated” - are innovative, eclectic and traditional with a contemporary twist. Welcome Patrick!
Some of our readers, including Alicia’s husband, are under the impression that furniture should be purchased as a “set” and should “match.” I should note that Alicia vehemently disagrees with her husband! 
And I do too!
Patrick, in this living room that you designed, which is fabulous by the way, you have incorporated a variety of different materials and finishes. Can you explain to our readers why this works?
I enjoy an eclectic mix in most rooms I design. I believe the use of different materials and textures add visual interest and excitement. This living room combines dark wood finishes along with painted finishes as well as metal, mirrored glass and natural stone. Additionally, leather, damask, embroidered satin, smooth silk and velvet fabrics are employed in this design.
These different finishes and materials not only look beautiful individually, but they work well together to create a harmonious mix. The red velvet chair and crimson painted bench adds dramatic “punch” to the room. The painted tables provide a nice foil to the java wood finishes.
A graceful swirl design is found in the silk tufting of the rug, the stone ivory lamp, the legs of the coffee table, the curve of the klismos chair back and the base of the metal mirrored side table. While the materials of each of these pieces are different, they all share one common element or theme. They are united by the flowing curves and swirl design. This commonality is best defined as harmony in interior design.
Next, let’s tackle lighting!
Patrick, our readers express their frustration when trying to achieve the proper balance with lighting. The common complaints are that it’s too bright, too dark, provides no ambiance, etc… You have done a nice job of striking a good balance in this particular bathroom you designed. How were you able to accomplish this?
In order to properly light any space it is always important to consider different types of lighting methods. Generally, a well-designed room will benefit from general or overall lighting, task lighting and accent or decorative lighting.
In this bathroom, I used recessed halogen lighting in the ceiling to provide general lighting throughout the space. These lights are on dimmer switches. (I am a strong believer in the use of dimmers, as they have a magical way of adding instant ambiance and comfort to a space.)
In order to provide crisp, bright lighting near the sinks and mirrors, I installed task lighting fixtures in between the mirrors. The lights, which are essentially glass cylinders, provide up-lighting, down-lighting and is the perfect task lighting for applying make-up, shaving, etc.
The open shower also has a light set into the ceiling which not only balances out the recessed lighting and the fixtures at the mirrors, but also provides additional task lighting for the shower area. This light looks great when left on while all the other lights are turned off. It is the perfect night-light or accent light.
Thanks for the great decorating tips Patrick. Have a great day everyone!
~ Lorrie
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